Chelsea signing Estevao Willian has admitted there is no preference when it comes to what shirt number he will get at Stamford Bridge, but there is one the youngster thinks “would be cool”.
Estevao will make the move from Brazil to London next summer following his 18th birthday in April, with FIFA rules on international transfers not allowing him to play for the Blues any sooner.
Chelsea agreed to pay Palmeiras, who not long ago sold Endrick to Real Madrid for big money, an initial £29m that could eventually rise to more than £50m with add-ons.
It is a huge show of faith in a 17-year-old, but major European clubs are increasingly looking to unearth the next big thing in South America rather than pay vast money for established stars closer to home. Estevao certainly has the potential, having already broken a 15-year-old record previously held by Neymar for goal involvements in Brazil’s top flight for players aged 17 or younger.
Estevao has made his name with Palmeiras, the club where a teenage Gabriel Jesus came to the attention of Manchester City almost a decade ago, wearing number 41 on his back.
“I don’t have [a preference], but I really like 41. If I have 41 [at Chelsea] that would be cool too,” he told EPSN, on the subject of picking his jersey.
The shirt is currently free at Chelsea, having previously been worn by the likes of Dominic Solanke and Ola Aina prior to becoming first-team regulars elsewhere.
As for position on the pitch, Estevao has spent this season operating on the right flank. But he insists that isn’t the role in which he’s grown or sees his future.
“I’ve always been a number ten and I went to the wing to have one-on-ones,” he said.
“Of course I respect [Palmeiras coach] Abel Ferreira’s decision, I know that I’ve enjoyed being on the wing more, but who knows, in the future I’ll play where I feel more comfortable, which is inside.”
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